The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia: Activities in 2004

Abstract

The International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 (“ICTY” or “International Tribunal”) emerged over 10 years ago from a favorable political context. Nothing at the time could have led its observers to predict the ensuing contributions to international humanitarian law and international criminal law. The concept of international justice has since evolved, progressively sliding from impunity towards accountability. Beyond the bare reality that international law is attached by its umbilical cord to international politics, there is no doubt that the law and—at least as important—the public opinion are progressing in the right direction. The ICTY has opened the floodgates of international justice: it has been followed by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (“ICTR”), the International Criminal Court, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and the Cambodia Tribunal to be.